Target launching device

ABSTRACT

A device for launching targets is described, including a launching arm movable in rotation about an axis A1 and a system for driving in rotation the launching arm, where the drive system includes an electric gear motor whose output shaft is secured in rotation to the launching arm.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in particular to a target launching device. A preferred application relates to the shooting sport industry, and more specifically the skeet shooting industry. The targets can be of the clay pigeon type. They may also be targets made of other materials, in particular of polymer materials, for example for archery target shooting.

STATE OF THE ART

The environment of skeet shooting evolves by proposing a variety of possible trajectories followed by the targets.

The projection of a skeet shooting target often results from the angular acceleration of a launching arm.

It is known from target launching devices that the energy used to carry out a complete launching cycle, is very often derived from the release of a spring. One of these devices corresponds for example to FIGS. 1A to 1D.

FIGS. 1A to 1D show a target launching device of the prior art using a spring. The target launching device represented in FIGS. 1A to 1D comprises a spring 40, coupled to the launching arm 1 by a connecting rod 41. During the launching step by ejection of the target from the device, the arm 1 performs under the action of the release of the tension spring 40, an almost instantaneous rotation. The tensioning of the spring 40 which precedes the release of the spring 40, requires a gear motor 42 whose end is in contact with the connecting rod 41. The release of the spring 40 is caused either by exceeding a balance point or by removing a stop 47 blocking the progression of the launching arm 1.

In particular, in order to vary the rotational speed of the launching arm 1, the prior device has an additional motorised mechanism dedicated to the tension of the spring 40 in order to change the load randomly and thus the speed of launching the targets 2. This type of devices requires the addition of a second gear motor 43 equipped with a cam 44 acting on a rocker 45. The projection distances are adjusted by means of several position sensors 46. The device then comprises a set of two gear motors 42, 43 coupled with complex mechanical subassemblies. In addition, a device as disclosed by the state of the art can comprise a turret 48 as represented in FIG. 1B in order to propose a random angular variation of the trajectories along a horizontal plane. A third gear motor 49 is then necessary to ensure a travel which is monitored in amplitude. In this case, the device then comprises a set of three gear motors 42, 43, 49 coupled with complex mechanical subassemblies.

This type of device is then very complex due to the multitude of gear motors that it comprises and due to the complex mechanical subassemblies (presence of many elements).

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution allowing simplifying the system for driving the arm of the device.

The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on examining the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages can be incorporated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve this objective, a separable aspect provides a target launching device, comprising a launching arm which is movable in rotation about an axis A1 and a system for driving in rotation the launching arm, characterised in that the drive system comprises an electric gear motor whose output shaft is secured in rotation to the launching arm.

Thanks to this device, the presence of a plurality of gear motors is eliminated. Thus the device as described by the present invention is less complex. In addition, thanks to this device, the presence of a spring which is, according to a constant prejudice in the field, a necessary organ is eliminated. Thus, is the presence of complex mechanical subassemblies, which make maintenance and the handling of the device more tedious, is avoided.

Moreover, the absence of a spring advantageously allows eliminating all vibrations when the device is in operation.

Finally, the device as described by the present invention allows the user to have a less bulky device than those already existing.

The method for launching at least one target is also described, comprising a phase of projecting at least one target from a starting position Pd, by rotation of a launching arm exerting a thrust on the at least one target, characterised in that the rotation of the launching arm is produced by an electric gear motor whose launching arm is secured in rotation.

Another separable aspect of the invention relates to a target launching device comprising a launching plate, configured to receive at least one target intended to be projected, the device comprising a member for holding the target in position, this member being configured to exert a pressure on the target in the direction of the launching plate. Preferably, this member is configured to exert a support on a face of the target opposite to a face of the target bearing on the launching plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the features and advantages will emerge better from the detailed description of one embodiment which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A represents a target launching device according to the prior art.

FIG. 1B represents a target launching device according to the prior art.

FIG. 1C represents a target launching device according to the prior art.

FIG. 1D represents a target launching device according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 represents an outer view of the system for driving the target launching drive.

FIG. 3 schematically represents the different phases of the system for driving the target launching drive.

FIG. 4 represents a tilted view of the system for driving the target launching drive.

FIG. 5A represents a top view of the system for driving the target launching drive of the present invention in a first configuration.

FIG. 5B represents a top view of the system for driving the target launching drive of the present invention in a second configuration.

FIG. 5C represents a top view of the system for driving the target launching drive of the present invention in a third configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a possibility of target positioning on a launching plate.

FIGS. 7A to 7C show successive positions of the target on the launching plate, and the cooperation of the target with retention means.

The drawings are given by way of examples and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily at the scale of the practical applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before starting a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features are set out below which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively:

According to one example, the output shaft and the launching arm are directly coupled.

This allows limiting the number of intermediate elements between the launching arm and the gear motor.

According to one example, the drive system comprises a member for piloting in rotation the motor, the piloting member being configured to control a first angular displacement Da1 , called target positioning displacement, at a first rotational speed ω1, of the launching arm to a target starting position Pd.

This allows bringing the launching arm into contact with the target.

According to one example, the piloting member is configured so as to vary the starting position Pd.

This allows increasing the number of possible trajectories for projecting the target from the device.

According to one example, the piloting member being configured such that the positioning displacement passes a target from an original position Po to the target starting position.

According to one example, the piloting member is configured to control a second angular displacement Da2, called target projection displacement, at a second rotational speed ω2, of the launching arm from the target starting position Pd, the second rotational speed ω2 being greater than the first rotational speed ω1.

This allows the launching arm to reach a sufficient speed to eject the target from the device. According to one example, the piloting member is configured to control a third angular displacement Da3, called return displacement, at a third rotational speed ω3, of the launching arm to the original position Po.

This allows decelerating the launching arm after the ejection of the target from the device in order to return it to the original position Po. According to one example, the arm includes a device for fastening the stub of the output shaft. According to one example, the electric motor is of the brushless motor type. It may in particular be a brushless motor having the following characteristics: 24V, 4500 rpm, torque 1.7 N/m, intensity 35 A; it is advantageously equipped with a resolver (in particular with an accuracy of 16384 bits/revolution); the whole is preferably coupled to a reducer which can be of the coaxial planetary type with reduced backlash with a reduction ratio of 1/10. This motor can be controlled by a variator, in particular of the fully digital smart servo-variator type. Compatible with any type of motor, with and without brushes, or stepper, it accommodates incremental and absolute encoders. The engine speed management is advantageously accompanied by a monitoring of the position, the speed and the torque. Using a programming language such as TML (for Technosoft Motion Language), it is further capable of executing complex sequences without an additional system, in particular without an external microcontroller and memory.

According to one example, the device comprises a launching plate, configured to support at least one target to be launched. Moreover, the device further advantageously comprises a blade mounted on the arm so as to apply on a target present on the launching plate a pressure directed towards the launching plate.

According to one example, the launching method comprises:

-   -   a first angular displacement Da1 , called target positioning         displacement, at a first rotational speed ω1, of the launching         arm to a target starting position, the starting position being         variable;     -   a second angular displacement Da2, called target projection         displacement, at a second rotational speed ω2, of the launching         arm from the target starting position, the second rotational         speed ω2 being adjustable and greater than the first rotational         speed ω1. This speed is preferably adjustable to be variable and         this results in a variable projection distance.

According to one example, the launching method comprises a third angular displacement Da3, called return displacement, at a third rotational speed ω3, of the launching arm to an original position.

In what follows, there will be described a target launching device used for the sport shooting of the pigeon shooting type, therefore frequently using clay targets. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by such use and that it may relate to the launching of foam targets, for example intended for archery.

The term “carried” means that the two elements are kinematically secured to each other. All configurations respecting this kinematic simultaneity fall within the object of the invention. The two elements can be directly or indirectly connected.

The term “secured” means an element which, in the operation thereof, is linked either by contact or by an intermediary to another member.

We will now describe the invention through FIGS. 2 to 5C.

The present invention describes a device 100 for launching targets 2. The launching device 100 comprises a launching arm 1 and a system 3 for driving in rotation of the launching arm 1 as represented in FIG. 2.

Although not illustrated in all figures, the target launching device advantageously comprises a target storage barrel. The target storage barrel can be mounted in rotation in the direction of the columns so as to participate in the sequential delivery of the targets on a launching area.

The launching arm 1 is movable in rotation about an axis A1. The rotation of the launching arm 1 is advantageously performed counterclockwise. The drive system 3 comprises an electric gear motor 30 which carries the launching arm 1. For this, the output shaft 301 of the gear motor 30 is secured in rotation with the launching arm 1. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that in a preferred mode, the output shaft 301 of the gear motor 30 and the launching arm 1 are coupled, preferably directly coupled. In order to allow the direct coupling of the arm 1 and the output shaft 301, the arm 1 includes a device 10 for fastening the stub of the output shaft 301. This enables the rotation of the launching arm 1 about the axis A1. The coupling may comprise a keying or preferably a hooping.

FIG. 3 of the present invention will now be described. FIG. 3 describes a launching cycle carried out by the device 100, precisely carried out by the system 3 for driving the device 100. For this, the drive system 3 comprises a member for piloting in rotation the gear motor 30, which is configured to control the launching cycle. Typically, the piloting member comprises an electronic card sending a control signal to the gear motor 30. The electronic card or another portion of the piloting member advantageously itself comprises at least one control input, for example by a wired or wireless system. The piloting member further advantageously comprises processing means, such as a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory. It is for example possible to store programs for varying throws and/or operating conditions. The electronic card can be integrated into a casing and connected to a drive. The latter pilots the speed of the gear motor and monitors its position by means of a resolver.

The launching cycle advantageously comprises a first angular displacement Da1, called positioning displacement Da1 of target 2, at a first rotational speed ω1, of the launching arm 1 to a starting position Pd of target 2. By way of a non-limiting example, the first angular displacement Da1 is variable so as to vary the starting position of the target. It can for example cover an angular sector comprised between 30 and 120°. Advantageously, the first rotational speed is low so as to minimise the centrifugal force applied to the target during this phase. If this force is weak enough, it can be neglected. Possibly, it can be entirely compensated by forces acting in reaction, in particular frictional forces on the launching plate or a force applied by a contact element with the target during this phase. Advantageously, the first rotational speed is less than 20 rpm. Of course, the movement of the arm comprises an acceleration phase, a stabilised speed phase and a deceleration phase to the position to be reached. Due to the type of used motor, the acceleration and deceleration phases can be brief. Thus, the considered rotational speeds in the present description refer to the maximum speed obtained during a movement of the arm, typically the stabilised speed.

According to a preferred example, the member for piloting in rotation the gear motor 30, is configured to control the launching arm 1 from a position called original position Po. This original position Po corresponds to a position in which the arm 1 is located when the launch device 100 is at rest, that is to say when no launching cycle is in progress. The original position Po can be variable.

The positioning displacement Da2 of targets 2 is followed by a second angular displacement Da2, controlled by the piloting member. This second angular displacement Da2 is called projection displacement Da2 of targets 2. This projection displacement Da2 is performed at a second rotational speed ω2, of the launching arm 1 from the starting position Pd of target 2.

Advantageously, the second rotational speed ω2 is greater than the first rotational speed ω1. This then allows accelerating the rotational movement of the launching arm 1 and consequently giving speed to the target 2 intended to be launched and ejected from the device 100. By way of non-limiting example, the second angular displacement Da2 is substantially equal to 130°. Advantageously, the second rotational speed can reach 450 rpm.

Finally, the projection displacement Da2 of targets is followed by a third displacement Da3, controlled by the piloting member. This third angular displacement Da, is called return displacement Da3. This third displacement Da3 has a third rotational speed ω3, from the launching arm 1 to the original position Po. This third displacement Da3 corresponds to a phase of deceleration of the launching arm 1. Indeed, the third rotational speed ω3 is less than the second rotational speed ω2. By way of non-limiting example, the third angular displacement Da3 is substantially equal to 140°.

The piloting member is configured such that the positioning displacement Da1 causes a target 2 to pass from an original position Po to the starting position Pd which is desired for the target 2.

According to a preferred example, the piloting member is configured so as to vary the starting position Pd. Indeed, the user can configure before starting the launching cycle, the starting position Pd depending on the direction in which he wishes the target 2 to be launched. Indeed, the exit direction of targets from the device, which is along an axis A2, depends on the starting position Pd, corresponding to the position in which the projection displacement Da2 is initiated. In FIGS. 5A to 5C, it can be seen that according to the position of the starting position Pd, the exit axis A2 of the target is different. It can be noted that the target exit axis A2 is preferably parallel to the launching arm 1 when the arm 1 is positioned in the starting position Pd.

In addition, the target 2 is advantageously positioned at mid-length of the launching arm 1 against the launching arm 1 and on a throwing plate 11. In FIGS. 2 and 3, a guide rail, disposed on the launching plate to be used as a guide, is shown.

This possibility can be replaced or supplemented by at least one of the positioning means presented in the embodiment corresponding to FIGS. 6 and 7A to 7C. In this case, a guide rail 12, concentric with the axis A1, is located on the inner edge of the launching plate 11. A finger 13 which is movable in rotation about an axis A3 parallel to A1 is equipped with a return spring 14 (or any other return means). A ruler 16 covered or made of an elastomer (or having at least improved adhesion relative to a direct contact of a target with the launching arm) is fastened along the arm 1.

A holding member is also present, for example in the form of a leaf spring 15. Preferably the leaf spring 15 is fastened on the upper portion of the launching arm 1, preferably between the guide rail 12 and the finger 13. The blade 15 may be in the form of a sheet metal portion including a lower face which is configured to be applied on an upper face of the target. It is possible to play on the elastic deformation capacity of the blade 15 to operate the reversible bearing on the target. Of course, other elastic return solutions are possible, in particular with a flexible connection of the holding member relative to the launching arm, or any other spring means.

In general, it is advantageous for the holding member to have a bearing surface on the target which is located at rest at a level of height lower than that of the top of the target and which is displaced, in a reversible manner, towards a higher position so as to be applied on the top of the target by exerting its support.

Advantageously, the lower face includes a convex profile such that the docking of this blade 15 on the target takes place gradually and elastically raises the blade. The latter is preferably positioned on the arm so that the support on the target takes place at the axis of symmetry of the latter. This member is configured to hold the target laterally without however preventing its movement induced by the launching arm on the plate. According to one possibility, targets are used having an upper face provided with a flat top and the member, such as the blade 15, is configured to be applied at this level. This planar portion may be surrounded by a rim which may possibly be used as a wedging for the edge of the blade, which is then sized such that its width corresponds at most to the width of the upper face of the target surrounded by the rim.

Advantageously, when the target 2 is supported by the launching arm 1 between Po and Pd, the finger 13 forces the target 2 to come into contact with the rail 12, the pressure exerted by the return spring 14 being greater than that from the leaf spring 15, the target 2 is positioned against the ruler 16. The displacement to Pd being performed at a first rotational speed ω1, advantageously being a slow speed, when the target 2 is no longer in contact with the finger 13, it is the pressure exerted by the leaf spring 15 which retains its relative position vis-a-vis the guide rail 12. It is the acceleration phase during the angular displacement Da3 which will cause the displacement of the target on the ruler 16 until its ejection.

Now, a typical launch of a target carried out by the launching device 100, will be described.

The piloting member adjusts the original position Po and the starting position Pd of the drive system 3, the rotation of the launching arm 1 along the axis A1 is produced by the electric gear motor 30 whose launching arm 1 is secured in rotation. The launching arm 1 follows the following path: it is displaced according to a first angular displacement Da1, called positioning displacement Da1 of target 2, at a rotational speed ω1. The arm 1 is displaced to the starting position Pd of target 2. The starting position Pd of target 2 is controlled by the piloting member, it can then vary from one launching cycle to another launching cycle. The arm 1 is then in contact with the target 2 at the starting position Pd. The arm 1 then begins a phase called projection phase Da2 of target 2 by exerting a thrust on the target 2. This projection phase Da2, in other words projection displacement Da2 corresponds to a second angular displacement Da2, at a second rotational speed ω2, of the launching arm 1. The second rotational speed ω2 being greater than the first rotational speed ω1 allows accelerating the movement of the arm 1 and displacing the target 2 with a sufficiently high speed to enable the projection of the target 2 along an axis A2 outside the launching plate 11. Finally, once the target 2 is no longer in contact with the launching arm 1 and/or the launching plate 11, the arm 1 initiates a third angular displacement Da3, called return displacement, at a third rotational speed ω3. The return displacement stops when launching arm 1 is at the original position Po, which is the same position in which the arm 1 was located upon initiation of the first angular displacement Da1.

Thus the control member is capable of displacing the launching arm 1 according to a launching cycle comprising three different phases at three different speeds, each phase possibly having a different angular amplitude. Thus, the use of complex mechanical systems is eliminated, such as a spring, a connecting rod, a stop surface, etc. The device 100 is then easier to use. In addition, this allows having a device 100 which is less bulky.

Moreover, the elimination of the use of complex mechanical systems allows limiting tedious handling and maintenance of the device 100 in the case of breakage or failure.

The absence of a spring also leads to the suppression of vibrations linked to the use of a spring.

The invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments and extends to all embodiments covered by the claims.

REFERENCES

100 Target launching device

1 Launching arm

10 Fastening device

11 Launching plate

2 Target

3 Drive system

30 Electric gear motor

301 Output shaft

40 Spring

41 Connecting rod

42 Gear motor

43 Gear motor

44 Cam

45 Rocker

46 Sensor

47 Stop

48 Turret

49 Gear motor

A1 Axis of rotation of the launching

A2 Exit axis of the target

Da1 First angular displacement

Da2 Second angular displacement

Da3 Third angular displacement

Pd Target starting position

Po Target original position

ω1 First rotational speed

ω2 Second rotational speed

ω3 Third rotational speed 

1. A device for launching targets, comprising a launching arm movable in rotation about an axis A1 and a system for driving in rotation the launching arm, wherein the drive system comprises an electric gear motor whose output shaft is secured in rotation to the launching arm, wherein the drive system comprises a member for piloting in rotation the gear motor, the piloting member being configured to control a first angular displacement Da1, called positioning displacement of target, at a first rotational speed ω1, of the launching arm to a starting position Pd of target.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the output shaft and the launching arm are directly coupled.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the piloting member is configured so as to vary the starting position Pd.
 4. The device according to claim 1, the piloting member being configured such that the positioning displacement passes a target from an original position Po to the starting position of target.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the piloting member is configured to control a second angular displacement Da2, called projection displacement of target, at a second rotational speed ω2, of the launching arm from the starting position Pd of target, the second rotational speed ω2 being greater than the first rotational speed ω1.
 6. The device according to claim 4 in combination, wherein the piloting member is configured to control a third angular displacement Da3, called return displacement, at a third rotational speed ω3, of the launching arm to the original position Po.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the arm includes a fastening device for fastening the stub of the output shaft.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electric gear motor comprises a brushless motor.
 9. The device according to claim 1, comprising a launching plate, configured to support at least one target to be launched, and a member for holding said target in position, this member being configured to exert a pressure on the target in the direction of the launching plate.
 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the holding member comprises a blade mounted on the launching arm configured to apply, on said target, a pressure directed towards the launching plate.
 11. A method for launching at least one target comprising a phase of projecting at least one target from a starting position Pd, by rotation of a launching arm exerting a thrust on the at least one target, wherein the rotation of the launching arm is produced by an electric gear motor whose launching arm is secured in rotation, wherein it comprises: a first angular displacement Dal, called target positioning displacement, at a first rotational speed ω1, of the launching arm to a starting position of target, the starting position being variable; a second angular displacement Da2, called projection displacement of target, at a second rotational speed ω2, of the launching arm from the starting position of target, the second rotational speed ω2 being adjustable and greater than the first rotational speed ω1.
 12. The method according to claim 11, comprising a third angular displacement Da3, called return displacement, at a third rotational speed ω3, of the launching arm to an original position. 